The Murdoch University Trongsa Penlop PhD Scholarship
In recognition of the growing partnership between Murdoch University and the Kingdom of Bhutan, Murdoch University is offering the Murdoch University Trongsa Penlop PhD Scholarship to enable a Bhutanese scholar of exceptional research promise to undertake a PhD degree project relevant to Bhutan, the priorities of the Indo-Pacific Research Centre (IPRC) and the disciplines of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (HASS), at Murdoch University.
The successful candidate is expected to return to Bhutan at the completion of their PhD studies. Candidates and projects will be selected on the basis of academic merit and their potential to contribute meaningfully to nation-building in Bhutan.
The objective of the IPRC is to address the challenges faced by countries in the region: these challenges can be broadly political, socio-cultural or environmental. In addition to the scholarship and superior academic supervision, the Scholarship will also offer a bespoke professional training program to support the MU Trongsa Penlop PhD Scholar.
The Murdoch University Trongsa Penlop PhD Scholarship will fund a project that fits within one of the following fields:
Development Studies
Sustainability
Politics and Public Policy
International Studies
Human and/or Environmental Security
History
Literature
Creative Writing
Cultural Studies
Eligibility
- Scholarship holder must be a citizen of the Kingdom of Bhutan.
- Meet the academic entry requirements for a Doctor of Philosophy degree at Murdoch University.
- International English Language Testing System (IELTS) minimum score of 6.5 overall with no section under 6.0.
- Applicants must enrol on a full-time basis and meet all admission requirements for the Doctor of Philosophy at Murdoch University.
- The successful candidate must undertake a doctoral project focused on Bhutan, within the disciplines of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences and fitting with the political, socio-cultural and environmental focus of the IPRC.
How to Apply
Candidates should provide the following documentation, combined into a single PDF file:
- A one-page cover letter, introducing your interest and relevant background for the proposed research topic.
- A research proposal, comprehensively addressing the following criteria.
(i) A short abstract that summarises the proposed research. (up to 250 words)
(ii) Outline the critical issue or question that the research will address, relating to any one of the following fields of study: (up to 100 words)
- development
- sustainability
- politics and public policy
- human security,
- environmental security,
- international relations,
- history,
- literature,
- creative writing, or
- cultural studies
(iii) Explain your proposed methodology or approach for this research (up to 100 words)
(iv) Explain how your proposed research will contribute to the Kingdom of Bhutan; how the skills and knowledge gained while studying in Australia will contribute to the development of Bhutan; and how your research will contribute to improved policy and practice in your chosen field. (up to 250 words)
(v) Demonstrate how your relevant research and/or professional experience prepares you for this proposed research degree. (up to 250 words)
(vi) Demonstrate your ability to work independently and contribute actively to the Indo-Pacific Research Centre in the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences at Murdoch University. (up to 250 words)
Please direct enquires to Professor Jacqueline Lo, Director, Indo-Pacific Research Centre and submit your application to IPRC@murdoch.edu.au
Required Documents
- A current resumé (CV), outlining your academic and professional qualifications and achievements
- Provide evidence of completed academic qualifications, including GPA, IELTS (or equivalent) of at least 6.5, and your citizenship of Bhutan.
- Samples of previous academic or professional English-language work, such as a thesis, major essay, report or publication.
Payment Method
The scholarship has a total possible value of up to $249,900 (AUD), as follows:
- Living stipend for up to 3.5 years at the normal Murdoch University rate, which is currently $33,000 per annum; and
- International Tuition Fee Scholarship (ITFS) at a value up to $33,600 per annum for up to 4 years.
- Fortnightly stipend payments